Conversion Calculators

Free online unit converters. Convert between metric and imperial units for length, weight, temperature, speed, and more.

Understanding Unit Conversions

Metric vs Imperial

The world uses two main measurement systems: the metric system (used by most countries) and the imperial system (used primarily in the United States).

Metric System

  • • Based on powers of 10
  • • Used by most of the world
  • • Units: meter, gram, liter
  • • Prefixes: kilo, centi, milli

Imperial System

  • • Various conversion factors
  • • Used in USA, UK (partially)
  • • Units: foot, pound, gallon
  • • Historical origins

Common Conversion Quick Reference

MetricImperial
1 kilometer=0.621 miles
1 meter=3.281 feet
1 centimeter=0.394 inches
1 kilogram=2.205 pounds
1 liter=0.264 gallons (US)
0°C=32°F

Metric Prefixes

PrefixSymbolFactorExample
kilok1,0001 km = 1,000 m
hectoh1001 hm = 100 m
decada101 dam = 10 m
(base)-11 m
decid0.11 dm = 0.1 m
centic0.011 cm = 0.01 m
millim0.0011 mm = 0.001 m